Acute Bronchitis in Adults
What is acute bronchitis?
Acute bronchitis is an infection of the large and medium-sized air tubes (these are called the bronchi) in your lungs. The infection is usually caused by the same viruses that cause a cold or the flu although occasionally it may be caused by bacteria. It usually results in redness, swelling, and increased mucus production within the bronchi. Acute bronchitis may also be called a “chest cold”.
What are the symptoms of acute bronchitis?
A persistent "wet" cough that usually brings up mucus, sputum, or phlegm is the most common symptom of bronchitis. In most, the cough hangs around for less than three weeks, but in a quarter, it may persist for more than 1 month. The sputum may be clear, yellow, or green; however, this does not tell you if the infection is viral or bacterial. Sometimes the sputum may be tinged with blood. Acute bronchitis typically develops within a week of a cold or the flu.
Other symptoms may include:
- Wheezing
- Chest tightness
- Shortness of breath
- Sore throat
- Nasal congestion
- Headache
- Mild Fever (not common)
- Feeling tired.
If you also have a high or persistent fever, seek medical advice. A high fever may indicate a more serious bacterial infection, such as pneumonia, or a viral infection such as influenza. Older people may have a low-grade fever but still have pneumonia. It is important to have a doctor examine you for secondary bacterial pneumonia, which may require an antibiotic. If influenza is diagnosed within 48 hours of symptom onset, an antiviral treatment like oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza) may be recommended.
Acute bronchitis is temporary and usually does not cause any permanent breathing difficulties. On average, adults with acute bronchitis usually take two to three days off work.
How is acute bronchitis diagnosed?
A doctor will diagnose acute bronchitis based on your collection of symptoms and history of illness. He or she will take a history of your symptoms, listen to your lungs, perform a physical examination, check your vital signs, and may order a chest x-ray or blood work to look for signs of infection.
There are no specific signs or laboratory tests that are diagnostic. The most important condition to rule out is acute pneumonia.
Spirometry (tests that measure your lung function and how well you can inhale/exhale air) may be conducted in some people, particularly those with underlying respiratory conditions such as asthma or COPD.
Use the Drugs.com Symptom Checker to Make A More Informed Decision With Your Doctor
How is acute bronchitis treated?
In most people (85%), acute bronchitis will get better by itself within 3 to 10 days, although the cough may linger for weeks. Since most cases are viral, antibiotics will not work and are usually not prescribed. However; some people may develop a secondary bacterial infection on top of their viral infection and medical treatment in a hospital may be necessary especially if they have other medical conditions or if their bronchitis has progressed to pneumonia.
People with underlying conditions, such as allergies, asthma, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), may be prescribed an inhaler (eg, albuterol) and other medications such as corticosteroids (eg, prednisone) to reduce inflammation and open narrowed passages in their lungs.
Other treatments may also be used to relieve your symptoms, although these will not resolve underlying bronchitis any faster. Examples include:
- Oral and nasal decongestants such as phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine, and oxymetazoline. These decrease swelling and inflammation in the nasal passages, allowing mucus to drain and more air to flow
- Cough expectorants, such as guaifenesin. These reduce the thickness or viscosity of secretions and increase mucus flow, allowing it to be coughed out more easily
- Mild pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) to help relieve a sore throat or headache
- Bronchodilators (prescription) like ipratropium (Atrovent) open up the airways to allow easier breathing. Inhaled beta-2 agonists, such as albuterol, may be considered if asthma is also present.
It is also good to rest and drink plenty of fluids. Some people may find a humidifier helps.
Cough suppressants (dextromethorphan, codeine, or benzonatate) have generally not been shown to be helpful.
If you develop new symptoms or your cough worsens or is still present after 3 weeks, contact your physician again. In acute bronchitis, coughing and airway sensitivity can persist for up to 4 to 5 weeks, even after other symptoms have improved; however, you may need further evaluation.
Who is more likely to get acute bronchitis?
Acute bronchitis is common, affecting up to 5% of adults every year. It can occur at any time of the year but is most common in the colder, winter months. Acute bronchitis is most frequently seen in infants, younger children, and seniors. People who smoke; who are exposed to second-hand smoke or excessive air pollution, dust or lung irritants; with other lung diseases such as asthma, lung cancer or COPD, or with certain heart conditions are also at higher risk of acute bronchitis.
Some people with weakened immune systems or other major health problems are more at risk of developing severe problems such as pneumonia or respiratory failure from acute bronchitis. These include:
- Young children
- The elderly
- People with pre-existing health conditions such as asthma, COPD, cancer, or diabetes
- People who have not been immunized for the flu, pneumonia, and whooping cough.
What causes acute bronchitis?
85% to 95% of cases are caused by viruses, such as rhinovirus, adenovirus, influenza A and B, and parainfluenza virus.
Bacteria can cause bronchitis in people with underlying health problems or complicate a pre-existing viral case. Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, and Bordetella pertussis are most commonly involved.
Is bronchitis contagious?
Because acute bronchitis is a complication of a viral infection, usually the common cold or the flu, acute bronchitis is considered contagious. These viruses easily spread from person to person, particularly during winter when people are usually close to each other.
However, patients with asthma or chronic bronchitis who develop acute bronchitis as a complication of their primary condition are less likely to be contagious.
What is the difference between acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis?
Chronic bronchitis is a long-term condition. To be diagnosed with chronic bronchitis, you must have a cough with mucus on most days for at least 3 months.
Chronic bronchitis is one of the conditions included in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Patients with chronic bronchitis can develop exacerbations of acute bronchitis.
Is there any way to prevent bronchitis?
Since acute bronchitis typically occurs as a complication of the common cold or flu, some general prevention measures may help to prevent complications.
- To reduce your risk of catching a viral infection, wash your hands frequently with soap and water and use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
- Avoid close contact with sick people.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Viruses are easily transferred from your hands to these parts of your body.
- Get vaccinated against influenza (flu) virus every year in the early fall in the U.S. You may also consider vaccination against certain types of pneumonia as well as pertussis (whooping cough). Your pharmacist or doctor can help you determine if you are a candidate for these vaccines.
- Don’t smoke, and stay away from secondhand smoke, dust, pollution, or chemicals.
What is the difference between bronchitis and bronchiolitis?
Both bronchitis and bronchiolitis affect the airways in the lungs, but bronchitis affects the larger airways (these are called bronchi) and bronchiolitis affects the smaller airways (these are called bronchioles). Bronchitis usually affects older children and adults, while bronchiolitis is more common in younger children.
Related topics under bronchitis
Drugs.com Related Slideshows
- How well does the flu vaccine work?
- Over-the-Counter Cold Remedies - Which One Is Right For You?
- COPD: Could You Be At Risk?
- The Shocking Truth About Antibiotic Resistance
Harvard Health Guide
Micromedex® Care Notes
Symptom Checker
Mayo Clinic
- Bronchitis
- Cold remedies: What works, what doesn't, what can't hurt
- Pneumonia
Learn More! Join the Drugs.com Bronchitis Support Group
Join the Drugs.com Bronchitis Support Group to ask questions and share experiences with those who have similar questions and concerns about acute bronchitis. Share experiences with others about your medications, side effects, treatment effectiveness, and even cost. Ask the group questions to see if they have had a similar experience with their therapy or that of their child. Keep up with the latest bronchitis news and approvals on the Drugs.com bronchitis blog, too!
- Drugs.com Bronchitis Support Group
- Drugs.com Bronchitis Questions & Answers
- Drugs.com Bronchitis Blog
Learn more
- Advil Dosage Charts for Infants and Children
- Allergies, Cough/Cold Medications and Alcohol Interactions
- Antibiotics 101: Common Names, Types & Their Uses
- Can You Drink Alcohol with Antibiotics?
- Dosage Charts for Infants and Children
- Motrin Dosage Charts for Infants and Children
- Tylenol Dosage Charts for Infants and Children
Treatment options
- Medications for Bronchitis
- Medications for Cough
- Medications for Cough and Nasal Congestion
- Medications for Influenza
- Medications for Influenza Prophylaxis
- Medications for Pneumonia
Care guides
- Acute Cough
- Chronic Cough
- H1N1 Influenza
- H1N1 Influenza in Children
- Influenza
- Influenza in Children
- Pneumonia
Symptoms and treatments
Medicine.com guides (external)
Sources
- Chest Cold (Acute Bronchitis). CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/acute-bronchitis/about/index.html
- Acute Bronchitis. John Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/acute-bronchitis
- Bronchitis. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bronchitis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355572
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.